Reference is made to Chris Ripard's letter MUT Directive (March 10). I am more than convinced that Mr Ripard agrees with the MUT that it is not acceptable that the education and future of the majority of students should be put at risk by the unacceptable behaviour of the few. I am also sure that Mr Ripard believes teachers have a right to teach and pupils, including of course, Mr Ripard's daughter, have a right to learn without constant disruption and threats or actual violence.

The MUT directed its members to strike for just one hour to show solidarity with a young teacher who has just started his career and who was punched in the face, had his teeth broken and thus humiliated and ridiculed in front of all the students in the class.

Educators, teachers and parents have shown solidarity with the Malta Union of Teachers and it is therefore shocking for me to read such a letter indicating very clearly that Mr Ripard is an isolated parent who does not know and does not understand what solidarity is all about.

Mr Ripard is duty bound to educate his daughter and he should explain to her that on March 23, educators, teachers and the very vast majority of parents and students alike will be showing their support and solidarity with a teacher who was physically attacked while he was performing his duties.

I am sure that had Mr Ripard's daugher been in the same class where the incident occurred, she would have been the first to show her support with her teacher and totally disagree with the contents of her father's letter.